The Jamaica Cyber Incident Response Team (JaCIRT) is intensifying its efforts to address emerging cyber threats through strategic investments, public education, and the integration of advanced technologies. According to Lt Col Godphey Sterling, JaCIRT is adopting a multi-layered defense approach to strengthen cybersecurity resilience. The team is also focusing on the implications of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and quantum computing, with recommendations from the AI Task Force expected to enhance their cybersecurity strategies.
The Director of the Jamaica Cyber Incident Response Team (JaCIRT), Lieutenant Colonel Godphey Sterling, has announced a significant 78% decrease in attempted cyberattacks across the country over the past year. This reduction is attributed to heightened awareness and proactive measures taken by organizations to address vulnerabilities before breaches occur.
The Jamaica Cyber Incident Response Team (JaCIRT) and the Major Organised Crime and Anti-corruption Agency (MOCA) are working with local companies in Jamaica affected by a global IT outage. The outage, one of the largest recent crashes, was caused by an antivirus software update by cybersecurity company CrowdStrike. It impacted a range of global industries, including airlines, banks, and TV stations.
Jamaica's cybersecurity infrastructure has been significantly enhanced through collaborative initiatives involving regional and international partners, as highlighted by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang. Key efforts include a multi-agency US$10-million Cybersecurity Strengthening Project, developed in partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and USAID, aimed at bolstering the Jamaica Constabulary Force's cybercrime investigative capabilities under the Project PRO-CYBER initiative.
Jamaican business owners are being urged to adopt better cybersecurity practices to protect against botnet attacks. A botnet is a network of infected computers controlled by an attacker to disrupt or gain unauthorized access to systems. The Jamaica Cyber Incident Response Team (JaCIRT) has reported the resurgence of botnets in the country, with people unaware that their devices are compromised. JaCIRT has identified three active botnets and advises monitoring networks, updating software, and replacing vulnerable devices.